Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal Cancer

CUSP group has treated hundreds of esophageal cancers till date. With expertise in minimally invasive surgery we are able to avoid any significant incision in chest as well as your abdomen and whole procedure can be performed with pin size incisions. This greatly improves the post operative recovery of the patient and this helps in retaining their higher levels of function and quality of life.

Esophageal cancer is cancer that occurs in the esophagus — a long, hollow tube that runs from your throat to your stomach. Your esophagus helps move the food you swallow from the back of your throat to your stomach to be digested.

Esophageal cancer usually begins in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus. Esophageal cancer can occur anywhere along the esophagus. More men than women get esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Incidence rates vary within different geographic locations. In some regions, higher rates of esophageal cancer cases may be attributed to tobacco and alcohol use or particular nutritional habits and obesity.

Esophageal Cancers

Esophagus is long food pipe that brings the food from mouth to our stomach. Any difficulty in swallowing the food must be taken with due seriousness. One should immediately approach the physician if he or she has difficulty in taking the food down in the stomach.

Esophageal cancer is a very aggressive disease with progressive increase in incidence in the Indian population especially smokers. Since smoking is rampant in North India, its incidence has seen a steep rise.

With increase in obesity and sedentary life style, incidence of acid reflux disease is increasing. Patient has the feeling of heartburn. This reflux disease itself is a cause for cancer if present for long duration. So heartburn if present for long time should be adequately investigated.

Difficulty and pain with swallowing, particularly when eating meat, bread, or raw vegetables. As the tumor grows, it can block the pathway to the stomach. Even liquid may be painful to swallow.

Types of Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is classified according to the type of cells that are involved. The type of esophageal cancer you have helps determine your treatment options. Types of esophageal cancer include:

Adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma begins in the cells of mucus-secreting glands in the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma occurs most often in the lower portion of the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of esophageal cancer in the United States, and it affects primarily white men.

Squamous cell carcinoma. The squamous cells are flat, thin cells that line the surface of the esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma occurs most often in the upper and middle portions of the esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most prevalent esophageal cancer worldwide.

Other rare types. Some rare forms of esophageal cancer include small cell carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, melanoma and choriocarcinoma.

Risk Factors

It's thought that chronic irritation of your esophagus may contribute to the changes that cause esophageal cancer. Factors that cause irritation in the cells of your esophagus and increase your risk of esophageal cancer include:

• Having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)• Smoking• Having precancerous changes in the cells of the esophagus (Barrett's Oesophagus)• Being obese• Drinking alcohol• Having bile reflux• Having difficulty swallowing because of an esophageal sphincter that won't relax (achalasia)• Having a steady habit of drinking very hot liquids• Not eating enough fruits and vegetables• Undergoing radiation treatment to the chest or upper abdomen

Complications

As esophageal cancer advances, it can cause complications, such as:

Obstruction of the esophagus. Cancer may make it difficult or impossible for food and liquid to pass through your esophagus.
Pain. Advanced esophageal cancer can cause pain.

Bleeding in the esophagus. Esophageal cancer can cause bleeding. Though bleeding is usually gradual, it can be sudden and severe at times.

Prevention

We can take steps to reduce your risk of esophageal cancer. For instance:

Quit smoking. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about strategies for quitting. Medications and counseling are available to help you quit. If you don't use tobacco, don't start.

Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.

Eat more fruits and vegetables. Add a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet.

Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about strategies to help you lose weight. Aim for a slow and steady weight loss of 1 or 2 pounds a week.